Seasonal asthma

[MrsCMK]

Does anyone find that once the weather cools down that their asthma practically disappears?

Throughout the summer months, the smallest of tasks, like getting out of bed in the morning are such a chore but on cool, autumn days like today, the horror of the summer seems like nothing but a distant memory.

I have a reversibility test tomorrow, so have been off my inhalers for a couple of days and I feel fine but I know that the results of tomorrow will be disappointing. Had I stopped my inhalers in the summer in lieu of reversibility testing, I wouldn’t have survived 24 hours without gasping for Salbutamol- typical!

[Junglechicken]

Usually I’d be in the same situation. Over the summer I was longing for the cooler days. I was doing quite well on my new inhaler (got a much higher PB) then the weather changed and I’m starting to struggle again. I’m not as bad as I was but my PF is dropping. I’m seeing a huge jump when I take salbutamol ( 72% to 92%). Steve the Boa has decided to be my friend again! Guess my asthma has just morphed and become difficult again. Agh!

[MrsCMK in reply to Junglechicken]

Asthma is like an ever-evolving story that, once you start to understand what’s going on, it changes course and leaves you wondering again.

I find it frustrating that my PF rarely drops (when it does, it’s in small increments) but I wish it did so that I could track things that bit easier.

Tomorrow’s reversibility testing is the last step before starting biologicals. I wish it was carried out in the summer when I was really bad because that would have been a true reflection on what was going on.

Sorry to hear that your asthma is getting difficult again...you’ve had one hell of a year! Steve needs to do one, haha

[Junglechicken]

I find it really strange that when I was “proper poorly” (not sure if that’s just a northern phrase😀) my peak was at times even with a wheeze quite high, that’s why I was struggling to get my GP to take things seriously. It would also suddenly drop into my boots then go back up. I’m symptomatic at the moment but I seem to stay around 72% without salbutamol. I’ve never seen it jump so much. It’s so kind that you’ve remembered I’ve not been great this year. Thank You!

[Snowdrop27 in reply to Junglechicken]

Hi Jungle chicken you mention the word proper poorly and that's what my mum says (she was browsing up in Nottinghamshire. I was brought up in London but I definitely picked up that phrase from my mum.

My GP said to me that he wouldn't like to see me when I am bad. When my asthma is getting worse and for me to see him then. Unfortunately my asthma attacks usual happen out of hours evenings/night time. or weekends so it's A&E who see me if I need to see a doctor or I haven't been able to resolve it at home.

I am opposite to you all ie fine in spring/summer and my danger time is autumn/winter.

So far I am fine not even a cold. I hope and pray I will stay healthy.

I hope your test MRS CMK got well and you get the help you need to stay healthy.

[Tvpuzzle]

Hi i am very similar i have very bad asthma from July to Sept had a bad summer this year and bad attacks resulting in hospital stay. soon as the pollen settles i improve. But i still use my steroid inhaler every day and always carry my blue with me as cold windy weather can affect my chest. As the consultant told me ' it never goes away it just sometimes is under control better "

[MrsCMK in reply to Tvpuzzle]

This year is the first time I’ve really noticed a pattern- it’s great for predicting and planning ahead (I try to find the silver lining in everything, haha).

I have to agree, this summer was the worst for me too, but I was lucky to avoid any admissions.

I hope you enjoy your respite that is the winter ☺️

[Junglechicken in reply to Tvpuzzle]

Yep, it never truly goes away

[Hidden]

I find mine typically revs up in the cold and damp of autumn, I have lots of allergies and when one subsides another seems to come to the fore. Having said that I am very lucky that my overall health for my age is not bad really.

[MrsCMK in reply to Hidden]

I used to suffer with awful allergies in the autumn- I used to refer to it as “Hayfever on roids” but I’m lucky that I’ve found the right combination of meds to keep the autumn allergies at bay. I won’t count my chickens though....

I hope this season doesn’t treat you too bad!

[Wheezycat]

Yes, but the other way round. So far summers are fine to brilliant, especially if it is warm and dry, but the cooler/cold half of the year is a pain!

[MrsCMK in reply to Wheezycat]

I find it fascinating how extremes of weather can cause such a tremendous impact on lung health and find it equally as fascinating how some people struggle in hot weather and others in cold.

Having said that, I’ve learnt an awful lot about my asthma this year and the fact that it’s “vanished” again, is giving me hope that i

I can enjoy a break from the struggle. It also gives me plenty of time to prepare myself for the hell that is summer again 😉

Wishing you a well winter!

[Wheezycat in reply to MrsCMK]

My asthma likes warm and dry. It is not perfect, but far better than winter. My legs are the other way round..............They swell in hot weather.

[CarLark in reply to Wheezycat]

I am exactly the same. Summer is great for me but I am now struggling with the temperature drop with the cold now.

[Js706]

I struggle most of the year but with very different triggers!

In the spring/summer it’s allergies and unless it’s particularly hot or wet (the last two summers of heatwaves have been great fun...) the weather isn’t much of a problem.

In autumn/winter it’s weather changes and infections!

But knowing how triggers change does help with planning etc, especially as different triggers normally result in slightly different attacks for me - allergies are fast onset, fast fix and the infections are much slower but also take a lot longer to resolve!

Hope your test goes ok tomorrow!

[MrsCMK in reply to Js706]

Question for you: did you asthma come before or after your severe allergies? If the asthma came after, did you find that your usual allergy symptoms somewhat took a back seat?

Prior to this sudden onset of asthma, my autumn to spring would be plagued with horrendous throat itching/swelling and wheezing but after years of trial and error of meds and finding the right combination, my allergies were suddenly at bay and then along came this darn asthma! Now, autumn to spring is a breeze and I live in dread of what summer brings for my asthma.

I feel like I need to stop all meds in the middle of summer and eat a pollen-filled tree whilst stood in a room with my immunology consultant and asthma specialist to show them exactly what’s going on 😂🙈 Extreme but I feel it could be necessary

[Js706 in reply to MrsCMK]

It’s all kind of mushed up in a weird order 😂 asthma and allergies came together in childhood.

Then allergies got worse, then asthma got worse.

But now I tend to find that while I still get allergy symptoms most allergic reactions of pretty much any level will also set off my asthma. I’m not sure if the allergy symptoms have changed in intensity because compared to the breathing they do tend to take a back seat in terms of treatment and how much attention I pay to them!

I definitely know the feeling with trying to show what’s going on! Everyone has got really focussed on the infection driven flares I have and almost seem to have forgotten that I’ve always had issues with allergies and very twitchy airways! I keep having to remind them 😂